8.1
Where can I stream Yi Yi legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Yi Yi
2000·Movie
Yi Yi fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Spectacle2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy2
- Cringe Humor1
World
Everyday modern life, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability9
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and storytelling
- Character Depth10
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition7
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Yi Yi is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighEveryday modern life, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and storytelling
The characters, direction, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
We never live the same day twice.
Each member of a family in Taipei asks hard questions about life's meaning as they live through everyday quandaries. NJ is morose: his brother owes him money, his mother is in a coma, his wife suffers a spiritual crisis when she finds her life a blank and his business partners make bad decisions.
Taipei Family DramaExistential Slice-of-LifeMeditative & PoignantIntergenerational PerspectiveEveryday PhilosophyQuietly ProfoundCharacter StudyHuman ConditionNew Taiwanese Cinema
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Yi Yi
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Yi Yi worth watching?
89
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 97%, and Metacritic 94). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Yi Yi rated?
NR
It's rated NR in the United States.
How long is Yi Yi?
2 h 54 min
Yi Yi runs 2 h 54 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Yi Yi?
Critics96
Audiences86
Not quite. Critics rate Yi Yi higher (96) than audiences (86). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Yi Yi in?
ChineseJapaneseEnglish
It was made in Chinese, with some Japanese, English. Produced in Taiwan, Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Yi Yi?
16
+2
+2GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Yi Yi in 16 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Yi Yi use?
It's Always Sunny at FuneralsKavorka ManSlice of LifeWise Beyond Their YearsWedding SmashersBreak His Heart to Save HimDowner BeginningYou Are What You HateHenpecked HusbandFat BastardWorkaholicBittersweet Endingand 18 more
TV Tropes lists 30 storytelling tropes for Yi Yi, including It's Always Sunny at Funerals, Kavorka Man, Slice of Life.